Radon Mitigation

Let's start by saying that radon mitigation efforts in Illinois are extremely successful. Although it sounds strange to say, the best-case scenario is that your home has a radon mitigation system. Homes with radon mitigation systems have the lowest possible level for that home and they will be guaranteed to stay there. Homes without mitigation systems have no such guarantee.

Once the determination is made that the levels in the home need to be lowered, radon mitigation work will need to be done. Simply put, radon mitigation is work done in an effort to reduce radon levels in a home. Different mitigation techniques and strategies may be used depending upon the construction of the home.

In Illinois, if a person is paid to do work whose goal is reduce known radon levels, that person must be licensed by the state of Illinois to perform radon mitigation. A homeowner may attempt to take actions to reduce radon levels in their own home, but once money changes hands the person must have a license.

What does radon mitigation look like, how long does it take, and how much does it cost? That all depends, not upon the initial radon levels, but primarily on the construction and types and number of different foundations in the home. Radon Detection Specialists, Inc. does not do any mitigation work and we do not have any preferred or recommended mitigation partners.

When hiring a company to install a mitigation system, we recommend that at least two, but preferably three, mitigators be contacted for quotes. Their mitigation proposals may vary (more for older or more complicated homes), and their price will vary slightly as well.

One major area that needs your full attention is their guarantee and warranty:

• How long are they guaranteeing that their system will keep levels below 4.0 pCi/l
  • What will void that guarantee?
• If the first retest post-mitigation is still above 4.0 pCi/l, is the additional work required going to cost more?
  • Who will pay for subsequent retesting until the home's levels are reduced to an acceptable level?
• How long is the warranty on the fan?
  • If the fan fails within the warranty period is there a charge to replace it?

Keep in mind that the vast majority of systems (98%-99%)are successful right from the start and the fans do not have a habit of failing before their expected life.

Need a list of mitigators? pdf